Maryono sets new national record

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang

Maryono of West Kalimantan set a new national record on Wednesday in the men's 52 kilogram powerlifting competition at the National Games, which gave him a gold medal on the opening day of the powerlifting competition on Wednesday.

He lifted a total of 612.5 kilograms, which was enough to set a new national record. The previous record was 585.5 kilograms, set by Rohman S. of West Java in 1996 in Jakarta.

Maryono also established a new national record in the bench press en route to his victory. His lift of 147.5 kilograms shattered the old mark of 140.5 kilograms set by Rohman in 2000.

The spectators who packed the Sriwijaya University sports hall clapped wildly in appreciation of Maryono's efforts.

Maryono's performed lifts of 245 kilograms in the squat and 220 kilograms in the dead lift.

Despite his inspired performance, Maryono said that the victory came as a surprise to him given that Rohman was still a formidable competitor.

"Thank god. I never imagined I would win this category. I just followed my coach's instruction when lifting," he told reporters.

Rohman lifted 252.5 kilograms in the squat, 147.5 kilograms in the bench press, and 200 kilograms in the dead lift to give a total of 595 kilograms, and had to settle for the silver.

Ali Asmi of West Sumatra took the bronze with 590 kilograms.

Maryono said that although Rohman was the pre-tournament favorite, he had not felt overawed.

"I felt confident before the competition. I know I am not really good at the squat, but I'm strong at the bench press and dead lift.

"This is a gift from God to me. Now I'll get a bonus from the West Kalimantan administration, and also a job," said the 28-year-old, who has a part-time job with the West Kalimantan chapter of the National Sports Council (KONI).

Sulumi H put West Sumatra's disappointment behind to muscle his way to victory in the men's 56-kilogram category with a total lift of 605 kilograms.

West Java again had to be content with the silver with Komarudin managing only to lift 602.5 kilograms. Denny Tios gave East Java the bronze with a total lift of 592.5 kilograms.

Medals were on offer later in the day in the women's 44 and 48 kilograms, and men's 60 and 67.5 kilograms.

The powerlifting event will continue with the men's 75, 82.5 and over-82.5 kilograms, women's 52, 56, 60 and 67 kilograms category.